LAS VEGAS – Chase Auto’s mentorship and training program for women employees has grown to nearly 250 members a year after its launch, pinpointing a need for companies to expand development opportunities, Amy Brooks, national retail sales executive at Chase Auto, said during her keynote address at the Women in Auto Finance Luncheon on Wednesday at the Auto Finance Summit.
“It’s important to women leaders that they work for companies that prioritize flexibility, employee wellbeing and [diversity and inclusion],” she said. “If companies don’t change what they’re doing now, not only are they losing these women leaders now, but they’re going to lose the next generation of ambitious females that are aspiring to the next level.”
Brooks leads dealer services sales teams who work with approximately 12,000 dealerships across the US. She has been with Chase for almost 20 years in multiple leadership roles.
Reflecting on her years in the industry, she said that as women look to build successful careers, it is crucial that they take advantage of mentorship opportunities and for company leadership to “sponsor” their female colleagues.
“Research shows that women who have people higher up in an organization who can make introductions, open the doors, provide advice when needed and even nudge a woman out of their comfort zone to apply for the next opportunity go further, faster,” she said.
Women must also be willing to step out of their comfort zone to succeed, Brooks said.
“Get comfortable being uncomfortable,” she said. “Raise your hand for those projects, even if you don’t know what they are, you will learn from it. You will make mistakes and that’s okay. When you put yourself out there … those are opportunities that you can learn from and grow.”
Success comes down to determining one’s own definition of it and being willing to live with some discomfort in order to achieve that vision, Brooks noted in her speech.
“Success is different for everyone, personally or professionally. It’s all about how you define your success,” she said.
Nominations are now open for the 2022 Auto Finance Executive of the Year. Submit your nomination by Friday, Oct. 28.
